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Overhead view of bite-sized golden-brown seared chicken breast mixed with roasted cashews and bell peppers. (Cashew Chicken Recipe)

The Best Chinese Cashew Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

This easy and flavorful Cashew Chicken Recipe features golden-brown seared chicken breast, roasted cashews, and crisp bell peppers, all tossed in a thick, glossy, dark brown garlic soy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup (70g) whole roasted cashew nuts
  • 1 medium (150g) green bell pepper cut into chunks
  • 1 medium (150g) red bell pepper cut into chunks
  • 2 cups (400g) cooked white jasmine rice for serving
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) regular soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) dark soy sauce for color
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp (15g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) neutral cooking oil like avocado or vegetable
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 2 whole green scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp (9g) toasted white sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large wok or deep cast-iron skillet Essential for achieving a high-heat sear.
  • 1 Small mixing bowl For whisking the soy sauce slurry.

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Stir until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved. Set this mixture aside so the flavors can meld.
  2. Heat your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral cooking oil. Season the bite-sized chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep, golden-brown crust forms, then flip and cook through.
  3. Add the bright green and red bell pepper squares directly into the wok with the seared chicken. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly blistered on the edges but retain their firm, crisp structure.
  4. Give your sauce mixture one final stir and pour it over the chicken and peppers. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken almost instantly upon hitting the hot pan. Toss everything vigorously for 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are enveloped in a thick, glossy, dark brown glaze.
  5. Remove the wok from the heat and gently fold in the whole roasted cashew nuts so they stay crunchy. Spoon the lavish mixture over a base of fluffy steamed white jasmine rice in a shallow bowl. Garnish generously with finely sliced green scallions and a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Pat your chicken breast dry with paper towels before searing to guarantee a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
Stirring the roasted cashews in off the heat prevents them from turning soggy.